How to Make Your Own Cloth Wipes

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**Do you love budget and/or DIY cloth diaper projects? Those types of posts are some of the most popular we have here on the blog. If you’ve read any, you know that neither Autumn or I are all that crafty (we do try really hard though). Anyway, do I have a SURPRISE for you! I am so excited to announce that All About Cloth Diapers has partnered with Babyville Boutique (you may know them from their website or from Joann Fabric and Craft Stores everywhere). I hope you LOVE the projects as much as I do. We plan to cover all expertise levels from no skills (me!) to expert. There will be something for everyone.

Be sure to Pin/Share/Favorite these posts. If there is a project or how-to you want to see on the blog, let me know by commenting! Please join me in welcoming Babyville Boutique to the All About Cloth Diapers family!***

Hello all! This is Ellie from Babyville Boutique! We were delighted when Jenn invited us to contribute DIY and sewing articles to her fantastic blog. Since the launch of Babyville Boutique we have strived to bring the best products and information to the thousands of families. Babyville was “born” when a new generation of parents embraced an emerging lifestyle trend of wanting healthier and environmental friendly products for their baby. In addition to our extensive DIY cloth diapering products, we now also have projects for you and your whole family (including your fur babies) that allow you to continue to save money while still letting your personality shine!

We asked Jenn for some of the DIY and sewing questions you have asked her and begin here with our blog about cloth wipes.

If you are doing laundry every 2 to 3 days, you should start out with about 3 dozen cloth wipes. These can be washed right along with all of your other cloth diaper laundry.

You can use materials you have on hand as mentioned, or you can purchase something in a fabric store. Your fabric choices can range from cotton flannel to bamboo velour. If you are making a 2 layered wipe, you can use a light weight micro fleece on one side with the cotton or bamboo on the other. This gives you a grabby side for bigger messes and a smooth side for gentle cleanups.

For a one layer cloth wipe, cut your fabric to measure 8” x 8” or if you plan to store them in an empty wipes container, cut to the inside measurement of the container.

photo courtesy Joanna @ babyvilleboutique.com

Next, finish by stitching around the outer cut edges using a tight zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine (or you can use a serger if you have one).

No sewing machine? No problem! The best way to finish the edge is to use pinking shears to cut out the wipes. This will help prevent raveled edges.

For a two layer cloth wipe, stitch (1/8″ in from the edge should work) the cotton or bamboo velour to the microfleece, right sides (pretty patterned side if it has one) together, leaving an opening on one side to turn. Turn, topstitch closed.

Before using your wipes you may want to pre-wash several times to increase the absorbency. (While this is not necessary, but it can help.)

To store and use your wipes, there are 2 ways, either the dry or wet method.

With the dry method, you will need to moisten the wipe with water from the faucet or water bottle before each use. Click here to see Jenn’s three favorite homemade wipes solution recipes.

With the wet method, fold and store your wipes in an empty wipes container and pour water or a wipes solution, you can use the same recipes from above, over them. Be sure to only store enough to use in a 2 to 3 day period. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to the solution to help prevent mildew. Some moms also like to store their cloth wipes in a wipes warmer.

After you have made a stack of wipes, you may want to make a few to carry along when on the go. You’ll need a place to put them and your used cloth diapers. Why not save even more money and make one (or a few) yourself?

Stayed tuned for our next DIY post…WETBAGS! :)

Do you have a favorite fabric or method for making your own cloth wipes? I’d love to hear it!

Comments

When my first baby was born, we received way more baby washcloths than we needed for bathtime, so I used a bunch of them as cloth wipes. I have also made cloth wipes from old socks. I cut off the heel and toe and stich up what’s left. I like to sew it so there’s an ankle piece on one side of the wipe, and a foot piece on the other side. The texture of the ankle ribbing is good for messes. I have also used old kitchen washcloths (my alternative to paper towels). I fold the washcloths in half and then sew them.